SAPS officer 'solicited R1,500 bribe to quash drunk-driving case'

31 October 2024 - 13:43
By Kim Swartz
The officer allegedly solicited a R1,500 bribe to have a drunk-driving case withdrawn. Stock photo.
Image: 123RF/weyo The officer allegedly solicited a R1,500 bribe to have a drunk-driving case withdrawn. Stock photo.

A 51-year-old police warrant officer is due to appear in the Vredenburg magistrate’s court in the Western Cape on Thursday on a corruption charge for allegedly soliciting R1,500 from a motorist to quash a drunk-driving case.

The officer was detained on an arrest warrant on Wednesday.

“Initial investigation suggests on March 12 the warrant officer, stationed at Vredenburg detective services, requested a suspect in a criminal case to meet him at a shopping complex,” said police spokesperson W/O Joseph Swartbooi.  

“Reports further suggested the officer requested a payment of R1,500 to ensure the case of driving under the influence of alcohol will be withdrawn.”  

The conduct of the officer was reported and transferred to the provincial anti-corruption unit for investigation.  

Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Thembisile Patekile warned officers there would be “zero tolerance” of corruption in the SAPS.

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